The Lesser of Two Evils

[erineab]

Alright, we are currently booked at Caribbean Beach with free dining from December 20-27. I was very close to cancelling this after a little more research about crowds, but then I started looking into the heat factor of August. So my question is....What is worse; the crowds of December or the heat of August??
I am a teacher and can only go during Christmas, spring break (which is already booked for a different venture next year) or summer.

 

[FLchick415]

I would personally take the heat over the crowds. At least w/ the heat there are ways to cool off with rides, shops, etc. But when it's crowded, there's just people EVERYWHERE and there's no escape unless you leave the park.

 

[morethananyonex]

Can you go at the end of August? If you can, the crowds are lower than the rest of the summer. In that case, I think the Christmas crowds are definitely worse than the heat.

If not, I still think August has an edge over Christmas, despite the heat. The only way I would go during Christmas is if someone paid me.

 

[DisneyFive]

I would take the heat, but that's just us.

We've gone late Sept every year, and it's still pretty dang hot... but we like that for the pools at night (still warm enough to swim at 9-11pm or so).

We love the lower crowds and wouldn't consider Disney over Christmas. Again, that's just us though. Lots and Lots, and Lots )) of folks go over the holidays and have a great time.

Dan

 

[JoshuaShaw]

I'll always take heat over crowds, especially at Disney, where so much of it is indoors.

 

[KeroKero]

I rather battle the heat than the crowds. At least there are things to help with heat ... not much to be done about crowd levels (especially during Christmas)

 

[JanaDee]

Heat over crowds any day for me.

 

[RookieLady]

I have been both times, and you can enjoy both times. To minimize crowd issues, you shouldbe at rope drop at either time. We use morning EMH and hop out. At Christmas, EMH starts at 7:00, so less sleep. August also gets you the pool, whereas the pools at Christmas are hit or miss, depending on the weather. If you are talking about this August, you are already in your 180 window for dining reservations, if going to places like BOG and other places are important to you.

 

[nouche1]

We got bandanas at Walmart that has little beads in it. You soak them in water and the keep your neck cool. My youngest hates being hot and these keep her going. Great to use while cutting grass too. I would never dream of going in late December. Anytime I hear of parks closing due to max capacity and there is no way I'm getting near them.

 

[TXHauntedMansionFan]

It depends on what your goals are for the trip. If you're looking to get the most bang for your buck in terms of rides/shows/etc then you should definitely brave the August heat. There's still going to be crowds but things are still doable during that time. Plus with the heat you can always swim during the day/night with no problem.

If you're more interested in the ambiance of Disney, the Christmas season is great. The castle lights/Osbourn lights/Candlelight Processional are all amazing but the crowds are going to make riding rides pretty much impossible (other than at rope drop or after midnight during EMH). You'll have to be ok with serious crowds/waits pretty much everywhere and I'd strongly suggest getting your dining reservations made at the 6 month window just so you'll have somewhere to go during the madness.

 

[dsneprincess]

Another vote for heat over crowds. Frogg Toggs work great to keep you going along with AC in stores for a quick refresh.

 

[johde]

I think you can make either set of dates work. I've never been Christmas to New Years proper but I've been just before Christmas and Right after New Years when parks are at or near capacity. It's not something I'd want to do every trip but you can make it work. As the previous poster mentioned, the goal although I had trouble with it is to make RD, when the parks get crazy leave, go back to your resort for rest, swimming etc. The return to the parks in the evening. I would also consider "splurging" on park hoppers so you don't need to return to the same park. With EMH's there could be parks open from 7:00a.m. till 3:00 a.m. So there's no need to fight the midday crowds unless there's something special like the parade you want to see.

 

[x5x5x5x5x5]

Totally agree with haunted mansion fan - it depends on your touring style. If you are trying to see and do everything, then go in August. In my opinion, you can still do just about everything in December - it just takes better planning. But there is no doubt the crowds are tremendous over Christmas. Personally, because I loathe the heat, I would opt to do and see a little less / fight crowds and be comfortable rather that be hot, sweaty and tired.

PS When we do go in the heat of the summer, we alter our schedule. We get up super early and hit the parks and rides that we love. Then we take a LONG lunch somewhere cold and dark (Mama Melrose works well for this, as does Coral Reef, etc.). Then back to the room or pool for relaxation and a nap. Then back up and at 'em at around 6. Works great because the parks are usually open late during the summer. By the way, some people think that the temps max out at around 12 or 1 - not true! It's usually the hottest there around 4 or 5PM!!

 

[mm1971]

We have been at both times and we much prefer the heat to the crowds. If you want to see Disney at Christmas time or need a vacation to break up the school year, then December may be your choice. If not, then definitely August. We went late August last year and are heading back this year. In August you get to use the pools and WP if you wish. December is maybe at best. I think the kids swam twice in December and it was too cold for the adults. The heat is not that bad and you are inside a lot.

 

[CAL2]

we went in May 2011 and I hated the heat, I had a wet flannel on my head with my hat over the top and a spray fan and nothing helped. my motto for the holiday was 'its toooo hot' and to be honest the heat spoilt my holiday and that of my family because I could not cope with the heat, it was relentless.

I thought I had planed it out well to avoid and cope with the heat, up and out for rope drop do main rides then lunch in an air conditioned place to cool down and avoid hottest part of day, few more inside rides then back to the hotel to rest and shower then back to the parks in the evening when it was cooler, it never got cooler! we would walk out of our hotel room at around 6-7 and the heat would hit you and within minutes you would be all hot and sticky again.

I think the only time during the entire holiday I didn't feel hot and uncomfortable was sitting on a bench waiting for DD and DS to ride SM at
2am! it was just the right temp

so I would go crowds over heat

cal

 

[dachsie]

If you havent seen WDW at Christmas, you should do it at least once.

 

[wdwjeffc37]

We did Christmas in 2011. Seeing the parks and resorts decorated was incredible. The crowds are heavy but not unbearable if you can go about two weeks before Christmas week. We were there for a week starting about the twelfth of December. We have also done May, June, July, and August. I would say the crowds can be bad at any of those times. We always get Park Hoppers and if the crowds are too bad we hop somewhere else. My DD and I were able to swim at the CSR in Dec. but it was too cold for DS and DW. The water is OK but when you get out it is cold, so no lounging by the pool. BTW we only went to the pool in the evening as we were at the parks during the day. If you are a Disney fan Christmas is something that you really should see. Oh, if the parks get too crazy for you, then visit the resorts and check out the lobby decorations. Especially the GF and the WL. Whatever you decide you will have fun. It's Disney World!

 

[Happy Duck]

Another teacher here. It also matters when in August you can go. The later in August you can go, the better. For our schedule, we have a standing meeting the last Wednesday in August and then the kids go back the first Tuesday after Labor Day. The best time for me to go would be between those days. Find the latest you can possibly go to the start of school.

I will take heat over crowds any day. To tackle August, hit rope drop, TAKE AN AFTERNOON BREAK, utilize the pool, and come back in the evening. Don't try and be a hero. You'll have a much better trip if you take breaks!

Also, if you want a break during the year, you can always take two personal days and book end a weekend for a late Thursday to Monday night trip. It was wonderful

 

[kerri0616]

Another teacher here. We've had two successful Xmas week trips and numerous June/July trips. I choose Xmas week as my favorite time to go. I consider it a challenge to beat the crowds! It's the only week my kids are willing to get out of bed without complaining.

We have more energy due to the reasonable temps and a good plan. We spend $$ to stay on site and take advantage of afternoon breaks away from the masses. Looking forward to returning in the evenings after dinner to use prebooked FPs.

The Osborne Lights and Candlelight Processional are stunning.

Tentative trip planned this December 21-28! We've never gotten free dining before! So excited!!

 

[Altoqueenkelly]

Heat > Crowds!!! I hate dealing with mass amounts of people!! I would rather be hot at Disney, and really we've been in June many times and it isn't like going to local theme parks because so many things are inside.